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While Ayutthaya’s dining scene is not the most exciting, it does have enough variety to keep travellers satisfied. The backpacker strip, around Naresuan Soi 1, is where you will find western food joints offering affordable pastas, pizzas and steaks. The night market around Wang Chankasem is also a good place to sample a wide range of local fare as well as enjoy a pleasant riverside stroll.

What visitors from Bangkok drive an hour north to Ayutthaya for, though, are its succulent giant river prawns and freshwater fish. For these savoury delicacies, head to the southwestern fringe of the island, by the riverside along U-Thong Road. Starting from the corner of Pa Thong and U-Thong, you will find a lineup of riverside establishments where you can sample these mouthwatering local dishes.

29 Steak

While ‘steak’ is in the name, this casual eatery offers a selection of tasty Thai dishes as well as spaghetti, macaronis and salads. It has a cosy vibe, although the interior décor is ordinary at best, with cumbersome wooden tables and bamboo mats draping the ceiling. Diners are mostly backpackers and a few Thai visitors, who come here to enjoy a decent steak.

Opening Hours: 16:00 – 22:00

Location: Phamapraw Road (near the backpacker street)

Price Range: Budget-Affordable

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Baan Khun Phra

The setting – an attractive antique house built during King Rama VI’s reign and picturesque riverside views – is a major part of the dining experience here. Catering to foreign backpackers, Baan Khun Phra serves up a range of conventional Thai dishes, whipped up with enough herbs and spices to leave you longing for more. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious. You can easily lounge away the afternoon while taking in the view of life on the other side of the river.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Location: Corner of U-Thong and Pa Thon Roads, about 150m south of Chom Phrom Market

Price Range: Affordable

Chai Nam (??????)

A long-time favourite among weekenders from Bangkok, this riverside, open-air restaurant serves up a good selection of fish and shellfish, grilled to succulent perfection. Among the must-try dishes include grilled giant river prawns, garlic-fried fresh water fish and salt-grilled snakehead fish.

Opening Hours: 08:30 – 20:30

Location: 36/2 U-thong Road (on the way to Hua Ror Market)

Tel: +66 (0)35 252 013, +66 (0)81-696-2439

Da Ivo Trattoria Pizzeria

Thin-crust pizzas, daily homemade breads and a friendly vibe are the three things you can expect from this casual trattoria, a favourite among foreign travellers and local expats. While the décor is nothing to write home about (Da Ivo is in a shop-house), it’s the food and wine that keep diners coming back for more. The menu covers all the Italian basics, pizzas, bruschetta, pastas, plus a handful of Thai dishes. At its helm are an Italian native Marco and his wife, Dao, who do everything to ensure that you walk out with a satisfied stomach and a good mood to match.

Opening Hours: 12:00 – 21:00

Location: Soi Naresuan 2, near Ayothaya Hotel

Price Range: Affordable

Krua Baan U-Thong (??????????????)

With the restaurant hidden from street view, you can easily miss it if you don’t look carefully for the displayed sign (in Thai). But if you manage to find the place, the effort will pay off as you enjoy its tasty Thai-style seafood dishes. The signature dishes, including spicy snakehead fish salad, stir-fried crabmeat with curry powder, som tam (papaya salad) and stir-fried fish in chili paste, will not disappoint.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Location: U-Thong Road, at the river crossing pier to Wat Khun Phrom

Price Range: Affordable

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Malakor

Housed inside what appears to be an old wooden schoolhouse, this small eatery is set next to Ayutthaya Historical Park and serves a selection of reasonably priced Thai and international dishes. Most seats are neatly arranged on the covered terrace, overlooking the ruins of Wat Ratchaburana. The atmosphere is casual and pleasantly rustic, ideal for enjoying a lunch break in the midst of your sightseeing spree.

Opening Hours: 11:30 – 22:00

Location: Chikun Road, opposite Wat Ratchaburana

Price Range: Budget

Tony’s Place

Part of the guesthouse of the same name, this open-sided eatery is an all-time favourite gathering place for budget travellers and anyone in search for a good company. The restaurant serves up delicious Thai and Western dishes, as well as American breakfast and cheap beers. Seats are peppered across the shaded garden and inside the living area, where you will also find a pool table. With a laid-back vibe, and virtually not an ounce of formality, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home.

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 23:00

Location: Naresuan Soi 1

Price Range: Affordable

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